Welcome to the Blue, Luke Farrell!

While we wait for potential trade news involving a top pitcher and some prospects, the Dodgers decided to pull the trigger on a smaller deal that brings us the son of a current major league manager. It has just been announced that the Dodgers have received 26-year old right-handed starting pitcher Luke Farrell from the Kansas City Royals for cold hard cash. How much cash? We can only speculate.

Luke Farrell is the son of Boston Red Sox skipper John Farrell. He attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and was drafted by the Royals in the 6th round in 2013. You can follow Luke on twitter here: @elFarrell52, and on Instagram here: @luke_farrell52.

As for his skills on the diamond, I'll get to that a bit later. What I would rather tell you is that few men his age have gone through the trials and tribulations of life like Luke has. At the age of eighteen a tumor was found in his skull and he had to undergo a harrowing surgery that was life threatening. Per Pete Grathoff at KansasCity.com:

Royals Series Starts Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Colorado Rockies. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2017 Broadcast Schedule
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 

The KC Dog will be available for this homestand only against Royals at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features an All-beef dog with crispy chicken strips smothered in Bacon BBQ Sauce, red onion and a Blue Pickle spear. See it on the right.

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Friday, July 7th at 7:10 PM

RHP Jason Hammel vs. RHP Kenta Maeda

TV: SNLA Spanish, SportsNet LA

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 22/Road Game 12

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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LOS ANGELES DODGERS (10-9-2) at Kansas City Royals (10-13)
Tuesday, March 22, 2016 – 6:05 p.m. MT | Surprise Stadium
LHP Alex Wood (0-1, 5.40) vs. RHP Chris Young (1-1, 5.63)
TV: SNLA & MLB Network (no blackout) Radio: None

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(Kenta Maeda, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

SNAP OUT OF IT!: The Dodgers, who have lost their last six games, look to snap their losing streak as they face the World Champion Kansas City Royals for the second time this spring at Surprise Stadium this evening. Yesterday, the Dodgers fell to the Mariners at Camelback Ranch, 6-3, despite third baseman Justin Turner going 3-for-3 with a homer, two doubles and three RBI. Turner is now 7-for-12 (.583) with four doubles, five runs scored and four RBI in just five Cactus League games this spring. On the mound, starter Kenta Maeda was solid, allowing two runs and four hits in 5.0 innings while striking out five. In four starts this spring, Maeda has posted a 1.32 ERA (2 ER/13.2 IP) and limited opposing hitters to a .216 average with 14 strikeouts. Additionally, Dodger mainstays Chris Hatcher (0.2 IP), J.P. Howell (0.2 IP), Yimi Garcia (1.1) and Kenley Jansen (1.0) all tossed scoreless baseball. 

• The Dodgers are playing the Royals for the second time this spring, following last Thursday’s 5-1 loss at Camelback Ranch. The two clubs last met in the regular season during the 2014 campaign, when Los Angeles took two of three in Kansas City.

GET WELL SOON: Today, the Dodgers announced that outfielder Andre Ethier sustained a right tibia fracture and will miss the next 10-14 weeks.

(Turner and AGON, pic via MLB on twitter)

NO MINOR THING: Several minor leaguers will be suiting up for the Dodgers, including right-handed pitchers Red Patterson (#89), Logan Bawcom (88) and Felipe Gonzalez (91), left-handed pitcher Dustin Richardson (94), catcher Jack Murphy (60), infielders Adam Law (0), Brandon Trinkwon (69) and Willie Calhoun (84) and outfielder Alex Verdugo (90).

MORE ROSTER MOVES: Following yesterday’s game, the Dodgers reassigned infielder Brandon Hicks, catcher Shawn Zarraga, outfielder Corey Brown and infielder/outfielder Cody Bellinger to minor league camp. The Dodgers now have 42 players in big-league camp, excluding Brandon McCarthy and Frankie Montas, who are on the 60-day DL.

TODAY’S PROBABLE PITCHERS:

• LHP Alex Wood will make his third start of the spring, after allowing one run in 3.0 innings Thursday against the Royals. The 25-year-old left-hander posted career numbers last season, winning a career-high 12 games (12-12) in 32 combined starts, while posting a 3.84 ERA.
• RHP Louis Coleman is expected to make his seventh Cactus League outing (0 ER/6.0 IP), last pitching 1.0 scoreless inning of relief against the White Sox. Coleman has given up just two hits and no runs thus far. He enters his first season with the Dodgers after signing with the club on Feb. 19, 2016.
• RHP Pedro Baez will pitch in his seventh game of the spring, after tossing 1.0 scoreless frame against San Diego. He went 4-2 with a 3.35 ERA in 52 relief appearances last season.
• LHP Adam Liberatore will take the mound for the eighth time this spring (2 ER/6.1 IP), after most recently striking out the one and only batter he faced Sunday against Milwaukee. Liberatore saw his first big league action last season with the Dodgers, going 2-2 with a 4.25 ERA in 39 games.
• LHP Luis Avilan will pitch in his seventh Cactus League game, last pitching .1 of an inning against Seattle Monday. He combined to go 2-5 with a 4.05 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 73 relief appearances for the Braves and the Dodgers last season.

(Justin Turner, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 16/Home Game 8

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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Kansas City Royals (7-10) vs. LOS ANGELES DODGERS (10-3-2)
Thursday, March 17, 2016 – 1:05 p.m. MT | Camelback Ranch
RHP Kris Medlen (0-1, 5.40) vs. LHP Alex Wood (0-1, 9.00)
TV: None Radio: AM 570 (English)

Here are the #Royals & #Dodgers starting lineups. Watch ‘Access SportsNet’ for all the latest news tonight at 7PM. pic.twitter.com/4nA1kCB6iz

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) March 17, 2016

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(Kiké Hernandez, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

(Pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

GET YOUR GREEN ON: The Dodgers, winners of four of their last five games, take on the World Champion Kansas City Royals today at Camelback Ranch in the first of two Cactus League meetings between the clubs. Yesterday, Los Angeles improved to 10-3-2, tied for the second-best record of any MLB team this spring, with a 7-3 win over the Rockies. Yasiel Puig hit his first homer of the spring and Shawn Zarraga went 2-for-2 with an RBI to raise his batting average to .533. On the mound, Zach Lee allowed one run in 3.0 innings in his third start of the spring and Julio Urias picked up the win in relief.

• In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, the Dodgers will wear special green hats and jerseys with green script for today’s game.



(Zach Lee, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

• The Dodgers and Royals last met during the regular season in 2014 in Kansas City, when Los Angeles took two of three games. Kansas City holds a 4-5 advantage in the all-time series.

O’FFENSE: The Dodger offense has been clicking on all cylinders this spring, ranking second among NL clubs with a .292 batting average, a .361 on-base percentage and a .498 slugging percentage. Individually, Scott Van Slyke ranks among the NL’s best in average (.385, T-5th), home runs (3, T-6th), on-base percentage (.484, 4th) and slugging percentage (.808, 5th), while Austin Barnes and Rob Segedin are tied for second with four Spring Training homers.

(Puig's Home Run Trot, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

LUCK OF THE IRISH: Good luck to Adrian Gonzalez and Team Mexico in their WBC qualifier tonight against the Czech Republic! Dodger great Fernando Valenzuela, who served as a pitching coach for Team Mexico in the 2006, 2009 and 2013 World Baseball Classic tournaments, will throw a ceremonial first pitch prior to the game in Mexicali.

MARCH MADNESS: There’s always buzz in camp for the start of the NCAA basketball tournament, but more so this year with many of the players’ schools making the field of 68. A.J. Ellis’ Austin Peay Governors and Chris Hatcher’s UNC Wilmington Seahawks will look to be this year’s Cinderella squads against powerhouses Kansas and Duke, respectively, while Yasmani Grandal’s Miami Hurricanes, Micah Johnson’s Indiana Hoosiers, Ross Stripling’s Texas A&M Aggies, Joe Blanton’s Kentucky Wildcats, Ian Thomas’ VCU Rams and J.P. Howell’s Texas Longhorns hope for deep tournament runs.

(Dodgers St. Patrick's Cap, pic via David Vassegh on twitter)

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Blog Kiosk: 11/3/2015 - Dodger Links - Puig, Roberts and Vote for Scavuzzo

Will we be getting a new and improved Yasiel Puig next season?

It's obviously way too early to tell, but you gotta love this early indication.  The photo above, featuring Puig with slugger Miguel Cabrera, was instagramed yesterday.  In the caption Miggy says that he ran into Puig working out with weights for the first time in young career.  Hopefully, this is a sign of some good things to come.  (Hat Tip: r/ilovemesomeme)

Below are more links to check out:

• I like Dave Roberts, via a tweet from Ken Rosenthal:

Sources: #Dodgers have interviewed Dave Roberts for managing job. LAD not close to decision. Roberts expected to move on from SD regardless.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 3, 2015

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Ralston Cash, manager Bill Haselman named to 2015 AFL Fall Stars Game."  As Eric notes, Dodger prospect Jacob Scavuzzo is also an "Final Vote" candidate for the All-Star Game.  Go here to make your mark for Scavuzzo.
• Well... I guess Dusty Baker is the manager instead.  Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "It's official: Dusty Baker is the new manager of the Nationals."
• Via Kennedy Ryan at KTLA5, "Two Men Arrested in Shooting of Brother of Dodgers Pitcher Josh Ravin." 
• You folks should come on out for this, via a tweet from Justin Turner:

Excited to play n #Bat4Hope Celeb Softball for @iamhope. Come out 2 support, get tix today: https://t.co/7ZGKJG5P0D pic.twitter.com/AWD13X3aMT

— Justin Turner (@redturn2) November 3, 2015

• Via John Thorn at Our Game, "Ball Playing Among Native Americans."
• This is probably the most insightful sabermetric analysis of the Royals World Series win.  Via Alex Skillin at The Hardball Times, "The Royals Are A Sabermetrics Team."

The Royals haven’t just won with defense, of course. At the plate, they’ve built a lineup filled with high-contact hitters in an era when power has become pricey and highly sought after. Moreover, in a time when hurlers have dominated and strikeouts have soared, Kansas City has assembled an offense that is less susceptible to the effects of elite velocity and pitching’s widespread supremacy.

As Ben Lindbergh wrote recently at Grantland, evidence exists that high-contact hitters perform better against power pitchers, a notion that has been borne out in the playoffs for two years in a row. (The Giants, too, have succeeded with a similar offensive makeup.) Although burly sluggers often can do more damage, they’re less consistent at the plate, and they’re vulnerable when facing hurlers who excel at getting strikeouts. Watching the Mets’ power arms churn through a formidable Cubs lineup demonstrated this concept to a “T.”

...
Ultimately, Kansas City is still not viewed as a sabermetric team due to a dated reputation that no longer accurately reflects the organization’s capabilities. Instead, the Royals should be regarded as one of the smartest organizations in baseball — a franchise, much like the Pirates or Astros, that has developed a clear plan and carried it out to great success. No, the Royals haven’t excelled solely because they possess some hyper-advanced analytics department filled with mad scientists churning out data and formulas that are well ahead of everyone else. But what they’ve done probably would draw far more accolades from the sabermetrics crowd if a team like the Rays or Cubs had succeeded with similar strategies.

• Awesome!

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 11/2/2015 - Dodger Links - Mattingly, Greinke and World Champion Drew Butera

Congratulations to the Kansas City Royals and former Dodger Drew Butera for their thrilling World Series victory last night.  I was so hoping they'd have him pitch for a bit.  Alas, that was not to be.  The photo above via Butera's twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• Since the 2015 season is now in the books let's take a look at the odds for 2016.  Via David Purdum, at ESPN, "Dodgers are 2016 World Series favorites." 
• ICYMI: It's now official.  Don Mattingly has been named the new manager for the Miami Marlins.  Barry Jackson at the Miami Herald shares some, "Highlights from Don Mattingly's introductory news conference Monday."
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Don Mattingly: 'I think Tim Wallach is going to come with me to be the bench coach'" 

"We've been in conversations about the staff. I don't know if it's something I really want to get into at this point," Mattingly said. "We've talked about some guys. I think Tim Wallach is going to come with me to be the bench coach.

"There are a number of guys coming back. I have pretty much talked or texted with every member of the staff. I don't know if Michael [Hill, president of baseball operations] wants to talk about the staff or not, but some of the guys coming back I'm comfortable with. I think it's important to the continuity of where we're going."

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Jacob Scavuzzo emerges as a prospect to watch."
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Van Slyke approaching crossroads of his MLB career."
• Via Joshua Sadlock at Baseball Essential, "Zack Greinke won’t be going anywhere."
  

  For a team that shells out $300 MM per season, bumping Greinke up an additional $5 MM per year is a drop in the bucket. There could be concerns about giving him a contract that will run up to age 37. Greinke has had some minor injury concerns, but nothing huge. Since 2008, there have been only two seasons in which he failed to surpass 30 starts. Greinke is not a power pitcher, and his ability to locate, change speeds, and move the ball around in the strike zone will still play even when he loses a few more ticks on his fastball. Pitching in Dodger Stadium suits Greinke, and he pitches to contact and lets the ballpark hold hits down.

• Congrats to LA Kings broadcaster Nick Nickson on his inclusion into the Hockey Hall of Fame.  On Monday, November 9th he'll be awarded the Foster Hewitt Award as a part of the HOF's Induction weekend.  Bob Miller, the Kings other Hall of Fame broadcaster, pens a great piece in honor of Nick, here.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 32 / Road Game 17

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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Los Angeles Dodgers (16-9-6) vs. Kansas City Royals (18-10)
Wednesday, April 1, 2015 – 12:05 p.m. MT | Surprise Stadium

LHP Clayton Kershaw (3-0, 1.86) vs. RHP Yordano Ventura (1-0, 5.14)
TV: SNLA

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(Joe Wieland, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

GETAWAY DAY: The Dodgers take on the Royals today in Surprise in their Arizona exhibition finale, with many of the regulars having already made their way back to Los Angeles ahead of tomorrow’s Freeway Series opener in Anaheim. Yesterday, the Dodgers wrapped up a 15-game slate at Camelback Ranch - Glendale, establishing records in both total attendance (147,066, besting previous high of 136,944 set in 2009) and average attendance (9,804, beating 2014 average of 9,534). In its seventh season playing at Camelback Ranch, the club posted four sellouts and eight of its 15 home games drew crowds of more than 10,000 fans.

• Los Angeles has the National League’s top winning percentage this spring at .640 (16-9-6) and has already established a record with six ties.
• This is not an April Fool’s Joke, Opening Day is just FIVE days away!

90 FEET AWAY: The Dodgers came up just short yesterday, leaving the tying and winning runs in scoring position in the ninth, and fell, 2-1, to the White Sox at Camelback Ranch. Chris Heisey’s fifth-inning home run provided the Dodgers’ lone run in support of starter Joe Wieland, who took the loss after allowing just two runs in 5.0 strong innings.

• Yimi Garcia struck out the side in the eighth inning and has allowed just one run, while striking out 12, in 9.1 innings this spring.

B.A.T.-TER UP: On Monday, the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) announced that more than 1,400 players, coaches and managers for all 30 MLB clubs collectively pledged a record donation of $2,643,195 to the organization, which is dedicated to confidentially assisting members of the baseball family who are in need with nowhere else to turn. Additionally, the Dodgers (NL) and Tigers (AL) were recognized as the recipients of the Bobby Murcer Award for their generosity and committing the most money to the charity. It’s the fourth time that the Dodgers have won the award (also: 2010, 2011, 2013).

(Metal Detectors at Dodger Stadium, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

SAFETY FIRST: Dodger fans will experience new security procedures set forth by Major League Baseball beginning with the Freeway Series finale on Saturday, April 4 with the Angels and running through the 2015 MLB season. MLB will be implementing new mandatory security procedures through a metal detector-enhanced screening process. This procedure, which resulted from a recent study of best security practices and MLB’s continuing work with the Department of Homeland Security to elevate and standardize initiatives across the game, will be in addition to bag checks that have been uniform throughout MLB.  Fan screening may be conducted by means of hand-held metal detection or walk-through magnetometers. These procedures were utilized periodically at certain gates during the 2014 season and all 30 Major League Baseball teams will institute these procedures this year.

FOLLOW THE CACTUS LEADERS: The Dodgers have blasted a Major League-leading 46 home runs (three more than the Cubs’ 43) and have a .286 team batting average (3rd, NL) with a .487 slugging percentage (2nd, NL) this spring.

• Joc Pederson continues to rank among the NL leaders this spring in batting average (.368, 6th), slugging percentage (.754, 1st), hits (21, T-5th), runs (13, T-2nd), total bases (43, 2nd) and home runs (6, T-2nd).
• Justin Turner has hit safely in 15 of his last 16 games and is batting .477 with six doubles, three homers and eight RBI, while posting a .500 on-base percentage and a .818 slugging percentage in 18 Cactus League games. Turner’s 21 hits this spring tie for fifth-most in the NL.
• Yasiel Puig ranks among the NL’s best this spring in home runs (5, T-4th) and RBI (13, T-10th); Kiké Hernandez places among the league’s best in home runs (5, T-4th) and runs scored (12, T-6th).

HAPPY HAPPY!: The Dodgers would like to wish a very happy birthday to Chris Withrow, who turns 26 today! Withrow will start the season on the 60-day disabled list as he continues to rehab from Tommy John surgery and offseason back surgery.

ON THE MOUND: LHP Clayton Kershaw will make his final start of the spring today and is expected to throw about 45 pitches. The 27-year-old last pitched on Sunday against the White Sox, allowing just one run on four hits and striking out eight in 6.0 innings and will make his fourth consecutive Opening Day start on Monday against the Padres. Kershaw is the only pitcher from big league camp heading to Surprise today and will be followed to the mound by minor leaguers.

• Zack Greinke will make his final tuneup of the spring this morning in a minor league intrasquad game, expected to start at 10:00 a.m. on Field 1 at Camelback Ranch.

(McCarthy, Kershaw, Anderson & Greinke, pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

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Blog Kiosk: 11/28/2014 - Dodger Links - Maury Wills and Puig's Nike Cameo

1956 was a banner year for Dodger pitchers, as evidenced in the International News press photo above that was found on eBay.  Featured is Don Drysdale with his Rookie of the Year award and Don Newcombe with his Cy Young and MVP awards.  They were given their awards on opening day at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn on April 18, 1957.  Go here to check out this photo on eBay.

Below are some links to check out:

• Listen to Wednesday's Dodger Talk with Kevin Kennedy and David Vassegh, here.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers serve community with 'Season of Giving.'

"Commitment to and investment in the Los Angeles community is woven into the fabric of who we are," said LADF executive director Nichol Whiteman. "Our ability to support youth and families is a direct reflection of our ownership, players, coaches, front office and our fans, and we are proud to be able to make the holidays a bit brighter for many in need."

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Seasons: Maury Wills' 1962 - not to be taken away."

No one can take that away from Wills, who in 1962 had one of the most memorable seasons in Dodger history. He likes to call it happenstance. The year that Dodger Stadium opened, the Dodgers opened their minds to a new brand of baseball. The Dodgers finished their run at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 1961. Wills reasons that since the screen in left field was only 251 feet away from home plate at the Coliseum, the Dodgers relied more on the longball and didn’t want to run the risk of making outs by attempting to steal. Thus, Wills stole 35 bases in 1961. The new Dodger Stadium freed him up to have a record-shattering 1962.

• After just claiming off him of waivers earlier this month from the Padres, the Dodgers traded infielder Ryan Jackson for cash to the Royals the day before Thanksgiving, via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors.  Pretty savvy, eh?  The Dodgers get him for nothing, then trade him for cash.
• Yasiel Puig shares his little cameo in a new Nike commercial, as seen on his instagram.

A video posted by puigyasiel (@puigyasiel) on Nov 11, 2014 at 7:31am PST

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Blog Kiosk: 10/30/2014 - Dodger Links - Congrats...

There's not much to add to the photo shown above.  It is one of Dodger photographer Barney Stein's greatest pieces of work, and it unmistakably conveys the feeling of loss, pain and sorrow.  This was the picture I had stuck in my mind when I finally came to the realization that the Giants had once again taken home the crown, and that I, like Ralph Branca in the photo above and many thousands of Dodger fans today, have to accept the notion that we have to wait 'til next year.

Fortunately, I know that soon after that fateful home run some 63 years ago a Jesuit Priest was able to put Branca's mind at peace by putting it in the proper perspective, and I take solace in knowing that it applies today.  Our faith is strong enough to endure what we have to face tomorrow.  So with that, I extend my hand in congratulations to this years victors.

Congrats, Giants.  You have no doubt built a dynasty worthy of the most hallowed halls of Baseball.

All I can add at this point is thank goodness that there will be another season - unless the zombies come, in which case I'll be grabbing my red handled machete in hopes of finding that cappuccino sipping hipster lookalike Terminite up north. Oh... And thank goodness for Kings hockey.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "The consolation prize."

But strength and character are not limited to one team per season. it’s not zero-sum. That the Dodgers fell short does not mean they are empty, bereft. Their season was not without meaning. And any idea that the Dodgers couldn’t win because of such and such a person is emphatically ridiculous.

I have no doubt that if you restarted the 2014 MLB playoffs with the same participants, they would yield a different result.

The World Series is absolutely the grand prize, the holy grail. The Dodgers’ goal, from the top of the organization to the bottom, from the clubhouse to the front office, was nothing less. Elimination was, and still is, a gut punch. My acceptance of tonight’s result is simply acceptance of the hole in my stomach.

• Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest has, "Offseason Dates To Remember."  Here is a list of important dates to remember this offseason.
• Via Adrian Garcia at Lasorda's Lair, "Logan White's Departure Is Not Insurmountable."
• Sports Card Info gives us a look at the 2014 World Series Press Pins for each club.  They are apparently selling for big bucks.
• Carson Cistulli at FanGraphs takes a look at, "The Top 55 Free Agents."
• What Derek Harvey at Brew Crew Ball says, "Kansas City Royals minor leaguer's admonishment of Yordano Ventura; Update: Apology issued."

As truly horrible parts of American history are, now one of the great things about America is that it's a melting pot of many different cultures. Major League Baseball is a tremendous example of this. You can't find a single team in the MLB that doesn't have a player who originated outside the country. I love that.

To say something like Zeb did is just so completely ignorant it's shocking.

• Via Chris Olds at Beckett.com, "Bloomberg TV talks shop with Topps."
• Via Jon Rosen at LA Kings Insider, "Once again, Darryl Sutter (the Kings coach) shows his baseball love."  Unfortunately, he's a Giants fan.  Boo!
• A great moment captured and shared on twitter by LG Patterson.

A moment tonight that no one else but me and the World Series managers witnessed. pic.twitter.com/jgsfWDjE4k
— LG Patterson (@picturelg) October 30, 2014

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It's All Fun and Games Until Somebody Makes a Stupid Hat

I recently saw the above meme image on a sports social media site called FanCred and almost spit up my lunch. 

What the heck is this monstrosity?  Who in their right mind would want something like this? 

Ya know, I get that Dodger fans have gotten behind the Royals.  Heck, I most definitely am rooting for them.  But to make this eyesore of a hat makes me cringe like every episode of 'Between Two Ferns' I've ever seen.  (BTW, if you haven't seen the newest episode with Brad Pitt then do it now.  Here's a link)

For all I know, I've been trolled and this image in nothing but an elaborate Photoshop creation.  Still, the thought that this may exist or that someone actually thought it up makes me sad.  Very sad, indeed.

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Blog Kiosk: 10/21/2014 - Dodger Links - Kershaw Named Player of the Year by Baseball America

Andrew McCutchen, Joey Porter and Matt Kemp were at Heinz Field last night to enojoy some pregame banter at last night's Monday Night Football game in Pittsburgh, pic above via @steelers on twitter.  The Steelers defeated the Texans, 30 - 23, largely due to a huge offensive explosion in the second quarter of the game; they scored 24 of their 30 points then.

Below are some links to check out:

• Continuity, baby!  Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Source: Scouts returning for 2015."
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Davises, Strawberry to enter L.A. City Section Hall of Fame."
• Via TMZ, "Dodgers Star Hanley Ramirez My Lambo Spits FIRE!"  Check out the TMZ article to see it breath fire.

(pic via Hanley in instagram)

TMZ Sports has learned ... Hanley dropped around $550k for a white 2014 Lamborghini Aventador -- but wanted to make it stand out ... so he went to The Auto Firm in Miami and upgraded the exhaust to one that spits flames. 

• Dodger collector Night Owl Cards writes a wonderful piece entitled, "That Year Was Next Year."  

My attachment to the Kansas City Royals doesn't come from living in the Midwest or because their colors are similar to the Dodgers or because I want the Giants to lose when the World Series starts. It's not even because I remember the Royals' victory in the '85 Series. No, my attachment began in 1976 when the Royals took on the Yankees and were demoralized by Chris Chambliss' home run off of Mark Littell.

• Via Scott Andes at Lasorda Lair, "Schebler, Sweeney Heating Up, Seager Off to Slow Start in Arizona Fall League."
• The Awards for Clayton Kershaw are only beginning to start.  Via Bill Shaikin at Baseball America he was named the PLayer of the Year: "Major League Player Of The Year: Baseball’s Best Pitcher Keeps Looking Ahead."

(cover via @BenBadler on twitter)

• BTW, for the fourth season in a row Atlanta Braves closer Craig Kimbrel and newcomer Yankees reliever Dellin Betances were named the 2014 Goose Gosage Award winners yesterday by the Baseball Bloggers Alliance.  The Goose Gosage Award recognizes the best reliever in each league. I had picked Kimbrel on my National League ballot.  Furthermore, late last week, White Sox Jose Abreau and NY Met Jacob deGrom were named the Willie Mays Award winners for their respective league.  This award recognizes this past season rookie of the year.  Go here to see who were my picks for the BBA (Baseball Bloggers Alliance) Post Season Awards.

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Blog Kiosk: 6/24/2014 - Dodger Links - All-Star Dee Gordon, World Cup Fever and Don't Trade Kemp

Zack Greinke did not have a happy homecoming in Kansas City yesterday.  In just over 5 innings he allowed 5 earned runs on 11 hits.  On top of that, the Dodgers offense sputtered in the cavernous stadium.  The Dodgers lost 5 to 3.  Fortunately, the Giants also lost, so we didn't lose any ground.  Pic above via @Dodgers on twitter.

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Dee Gordon's All-Star case."

“I would absolutely love it,” Gordon said. “If I don’t, I don’t. And, honestly, I’m not supposed to be where I am anyway, but that would definitely be something that’s cool. My whole family would be there.” 

• Via Nick Cafardo at the Boston Globe, claims that the Red Sox have been watching Matt Kemp.  Sounds creepy to me.  On the other hand, Rob Bradford at WEEI says there is no truth to the rumor.  It seems to me that the annual parade of rumors, innuendo's and fake headlines is starting right on time.  As always, I suggest ignoring these stories.  None of these "in the know" guys know what they are talking about.
• Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest that, "There is no benefit to the Dodgers trading Matt Kemp."

There is no benefit to trading Kemp. If the Dodgers did trade him, not only would they have to a large portion of the $107 million he’s owed from 2015-19, the return would be miniscule at best. For Kemp to have any real trade value, he’d have to be hitting well for a few months. If that were the case, the Dodgers wouldn’t want to trade him anyway.

For the record, I agree with Dustin on this one.  Of all the outfielders we could trade, I would consider Kemp to be the least desirable to go since he has the best upside.  Besides, I always thought Ethier would be a better candidate for a trade.

• Via Chad Moriyama at Dodgers Digest, "Down On The Farm Update: Games Of 6/16 – 6/22 – Seager, Leon, Pacheco."
• A hearty Blue Heaven congratulations to all the folks who were elected to enter into the 2014 class of the Hockey Hall of Fame; especially former longtime Kings defenseman Rob Blake.
• Some Dodgers have World Cup fever.

After that Mexico goal, Adrian Gonzalez grabbed a Mexican flag and ran around the #Dodgers clubhouse as if he had scored.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) June 23, 2014

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Blog Kiosk: 10/28/2013 - Dodgers Links - Guerrero, Pederson and the Essence of Baseball

In honor of the World Series here's a great pic of the Fenway Park crowd at the 1912 World Series.  Pic via Michael Beschloss on twitter.

• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA writes, "Dodgers winter league update: Joc Pederson on fire in Venezuela".
• Via Zach Links at MLB Trade Rumors, "Offseason Outlook: Los Angeles Dodgers".
• Alexander Guerrero heading to the Dominican Winter Leage, via JP Hoornstra on twitter.

Am told #Dodgers Alexander Guerrero plans to play in the Dominican Winter League; contract hasn't been approved by league's commissioner yet
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) October 27, 2013

• Masahiro Tanaka is considered the top Japanese ballplayer expected to sign with a MLB team this winter, and many believe the Dodgers are in the hunt.  Via a tweet from Bill Shaikin of the LA Times.

Just did interview with Japanese TV reporter who believes that Tanaka's top choices would be #Dodgers or #Yankees. Too soon to say for sure.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) October 27, 2013

• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA wonders, "Where does Chris Capuano go from here?" 
• Baseball America names Yasiel Puig and Hyun-Jin Ryu to their 2013 All-Rookie Team.
• This is excellent.  Via Craig Calcaterra at Hardball Talk, "The obstruction play provides a glimpse of the essence of baseball".

And what is baseball? A decidedly 19th century construct shaped by all manner of rules and conventions. A construct In which, unlike its 19th century contemporaries such as boxing, weightlifting or horse racing, physical prowess is nowhere as nearly close to everything. Rather, it’s about physical prowess being channeled alongside a set of ground rules and formalities that require the mind and discipline to work hand-in-hand with the body and its fast-twitch muscles. It’s a pursuit in which force being applied via instinct rather than calculation is almost always punished rather than rewarded.

• Via Mark Townsend at Big League Stew writes about the, "Dancing Royals fan featured in spoof baseball ad on 'Tonight Show'".

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Gammons Relays a Trade that Almost Happened

This evening, Peter Gammons released some scant details about a trade that was in serious discussions between the Dodgers, Angels and Kansas City Royals.  Per his blog, The Daily Gammons:

As it turns out, the Dodgers went right down to the trading deadline trying to add parts for a world series run. L.A. sources say they were working on deals with the Angels and Royals for Hochevar and Howie Kendrick and were willing to trade pitchers Zach Lee, Reed and Chris Withrow. It unraveled minutes from the deadline.

Since the deal never closed, we can only imagine what this could have meant for the Dodgers.

So, what do you think?  Would you have been willing to trade 2 of our top prospects?  Would our return have been the key ingredients needed for a championship run?

-------------

Howie Kendrick would have been the key piece of the deal.  He is having a phenomenal season at the plate - batting .301 with a .778 OPS, and a WAR of 3.1.  There's no doubt Kendrick would have been a huge upgrade over Mark Ellis.  On the other hand, he much worse on the field.  Baseball America ranked Ellis the 3rd best defensive second baseman in the National League, while nobody would consider putting Howie on a similar list.  Also, Kendrick is under contract through the 2015 season, so he would have been under team control for a good amount of time.

Luke Hochevar, who was originally drafted by the Dodgers in 2002 in the 39th round, then again in the 1st round in 2005, would have been one of the more intriguing pick-ups.  He had been a spectacular failure as a starting pitcher in Kansas City, but has been great in relief this season - his first year in the pen.  Hochevar has an infinitesimal 1.65 ERA and a ERA+ of 248 in 2013.  Due to his experience as a starter, he has the ability to go long in relief.  Whether his role will only be as a reliever may be in question.  After all, there's a reason the Dodgers tried to draft him twice, and I'd be willing to bet they would have explored the idea of having him start a game, from time to time.  BTW, he is under team control until 2014 - arbitration eligible this coming Winter.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 31 | Road Game 15

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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LOS ANGELES DODGERS (11-16-3) vs. Kansas City Royals (21-6-1)
Monday, March 25, 2013 – 6:05 p.m. | Surprise Stadium
RHP Zack Greinke (0-0, 3.60) vs. RHP Wade Davis (3-0, 1.00)
TV: None | Radio: KLAC

(twitter link: @Dodgers)

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(pic credit: Puig and Ethier: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013)

SHADES OF BLUE: The Dodgers play the Royals for the third and final time this spring after beating Kansas City, 8-1, on March 15 at Camelback Ranch and losing, 7-2, on March 20 in Surprise. The clubs haven’t met in the regular season since 2005 and the Royals hold a 4-2 advantage in the all-time series.

• The Dodgers will open the 2013 season against the Giants in just one week, April 1 at Dodger Stadium!
• Los Angeles continues to lead National League clubs with a .350 on-base percentage and 97 walks this spring. Once on base, the Dodgers have been active on the basepaths, leading the NL with 35 steals.
• On the mound, Dodger pitchers have struck out a Major League-best 240 batters.

ON THE HILL: Tonight, Zack Greinke will face the Royals, who originally selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft. Greinke pitched in Kansas City for seven seasons from 2004-2010, compiling a 60-67 record with a 3.82 ERA and winning the 2009 Cy Young Award, before he was traded to Milwaukee in December 2010. He will make his third start of the spring and his first since March 1 after battling the flu and right elbow inflammation. Greinke last pitched on March 20 in a minor league game, throwing 43 pitches in 4.0 scoreless innings. He allowed one hit, hit a batter and struck out two in the outing.

• Greinke faced the Royals twice last season, allowing just two combined runs in 15.1 innings (1.17 ERA) in a pair of no-decisions.
• Earlier today, Chris Capuano pitched in a minor league game on the back fields against the Indians. He threw 85 pitches in 7.0 scoreless innings, allowing three hits, hitting a batter and striking out 11.

LEADERBOARD: Yasiel Puig went 0-for-2 yesterday, but continues to lead the Majors with a .527 batting average and 29 hits. Puig leads the NL with a .509 on-base percentage and ranks second with an .855 slugging percentage. He also ranks third with 16 runs scored.

• Dee Gordon leads the NL with seven steals and is tied for fourth in the NL with 10 walks.
• Clayton Kershaw ranks fourth among NL pitchers with 28 strikeouts and Hyun-Jin Ryu ranks fifth with 23 Ks this spring.

(pic credit: Carl Crawford: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013)

FEELS LIKE ONLY YESTERDAY: Carl Crawford and Andre Ethier homered, but the Dodgers fell, 7-4, to Oakland yesterday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.  Josh Beckett, who entered the game with a 0.96 Cactus League ERA, was tagged for seven runs on six hits and three walks in 4.0 innings in a losing effort, but the Dodger bullpen was able to keep it close with Kevin Gregg (1.00 ERA), Ronald Belisario (2.70 ERA), Paco Rodriguez (1.80) and Josh Wall (4.22 ERA) each throwing a scoreless inning of relief.

• With two hits yesterday (2-for-3), Carl Crawford raised his batting average to .333 (6-for-18) in six games this spring. Crawford played 5.0 innings in the field yesterday without issue and is penciled back in the leadoff spot in left field in Don Mattingly’s lineup tonight.
• After his home run yesterday, Andre Ethier is also batting .333 (14-for-42) in 17 games this spring with a .417 on-base percentage and a .619 slugging percentage. Of Ethier’s 14 hits, eight have gone for extra bases (five doubles, two triples and a home run).

BIRTHDAY BOY:  The Dodgers would like to wish a very happy 26th birthday to left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu! Ryu has gone 2-2 with a 3.86 ERA in six games (five starts) in his first Major League Spring Training and is scheduled to make one final tuneup on Thursday against the Angels in Anaheim in the Freeway Series opener.

HOME SICK:  The Dodgers will return to Southern California on Thursday for a split-squad exhibition game at The Epicenter against the Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes at 6:05 p.m. and a contest against the Angels in Anaheim for the first game of the three-game exhibition Freeway Series set for 7:05 p.m. at Angel Stadium. The Freeway Series continues Friday with a 7:10 p.m. game at Dodger Stadium and wraps up Saturday with a 6:05 p.m. game in Anaheim.

• The split squad of Dodgers heading to Rancho Cucamonga, headlined by Adrian Gonzalez and Luis Cruz, will be managed by Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda. Tickets to the exhibition game can be purchased at www.rcquakes.com.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 26/ Road Game 13

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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LOS ANGELES DODGERS (9-13-3) vs. Kansas City Royals (17-6-1)
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 – 1:05 p.m. | Surprise Stadium
RHP Aaron Harang (1-0, 10.00) vs. RHP Wade Davis (2-0, 0.00)
TV: None | Radio: None

(twitter link: @Dodgers)

--------------------------

(pic link: Cespedes & Puig: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013)

DODGER ROYALTY: The Dodgers take on the Royals for the second and final time this spring after defeating Kansas City, 8-1, on March 15 in Glendale. The clubs haven’t met during the regular season since 2005 and the Royals have the upper hand in the all-time series, 4-2. In case you’re counting, Opening Day against the Giants is just 12 days away!

• On the back fields at 1:00 p.m., Zack Greinke, Brandon League and J.P. Howell will all pitch in minor league games. Greinke is expected to throw around 45 pitches.

COSTLY VICTORY: Congratulations are in order for Dodger shortstop Hanley Ramirez and minor league right-handed pitcher Angel Castro on the Dominican Republic’s undefeated run to the World Baseball Classic title, capped off with a 3-0 win over Puerto Rico last night. Ramirez went 1-for-2 in the championship game before he was removed with an apparent thumb injury. He is expected back in Arizona this afternoon and will have an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. He finished the eight-game tournament by going 5-for-22 with two homers and three RBI.

• With Ramirez traveling and Dee Gordon out of the lineup with an ankle injury, Luis Cruz will make his first start of the spring at shortstop today. Last year, Cruz appeared in 24 games (23 starts) at shortstop, posting a .981 fielding percentage and committing just two errors in 205.1 innings.

BIRTHDAY BOY: The Dodgers would like to wish a very happy birthday to Pat Corrales, who is in his first season with the Dodgers as a special advisor to the GM. Corrales was the first Major League manager of Mexican-American descent and managed for nine years in the big leagues with the Rangers (1978- 80), Phillies (1982-83) and Indians (1983-87) following a nine-year playing career as a catcher.

FEELS LIKE ONLY YESTERDAY: The Dodgers jumped out to an early 3-0 lead yesterday with Yasiel Puig and Jerry Hairston Jr. hitting back-to-back first-inning homers and Chris Capuano delivered 5.2 strong innings as Los Angeles downed Oakland, 7-1, at Camelback Ranch. In addition to Puig and Hairston, Juan Uribe and Skip Schumaker added multi-hit games as the Dodger offense finished the game with 13 hits, including five for extra bases. The Dodger bullpen of Mark Lowe (1.1 IP), J.P. Howell (1.0 IP) and Brandon League (1.0 IP) was equally as impressive, allowing just two baserunners (hit, walk) to close out the game with 3.1 scoreless innings.

• After yesterday’s 13-hit barrage, the Dodgers now top National League clubs with a .288 team batting average and a .352 team on-base percentage.
• Los Angeles also leads the NL with 32 steals, led by league leader Dee Gordon’s seven stolen bases.

(pic link: Brandon League: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013)

LET’S CALL IT AN EVEN .500:  After drawing comparisons to Bo Jackson and Mark McGwire, Yasiel Puig continued to be the talk of camp yesterday by going 4-for-4 with two runs scored, a stolen base, a triple, a homer and two RBI, finishing a double shy of the cycle. Puig is batting an even .500 this spring, tops among National Leaguers, and also ranks among the league’s best in runs scored (13, T-3rd), hits (23, 2nd), total bases (37, 4th), stolen bases (4, T-4th), slugging percentage (.804, 2nd) and on-base percentage (.489, 4th).

ON THE HILL: Aaron Harang will make his fourth start of the spring today against the Royals after last pitching on Friday against the Padres. Harang allowed five runs (four earned) in 4.0 innings in that outing and has gone 1-0 with a 10.00 ERA in his three Cactus League starts. Last season, Harang posted a career-low 3.61 ERA while going 10-10 in 31 starts with the Dodgers.

• Today’s scheduled relievers, Ronald Belisario, Matt Guerrier, Kenley Jansen and Kevin Gregg, will go back-to-back and pitch tomorrow in a simulated game against Carl Crawford and Tim Federowicz at Camelback Ranch.

TUCSON-OLOGY:  On Monday, the Dodgers held their annual Tucson-ology draft to determine who would make the trip to Tucson tomorrow to play in the Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Foundation benefit game against the Cubs. The lucky winners were Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Mark Ellis, A.J. Ellis, Nick Punto, Skip Schumacher, Juan Uribe, Alex Castellanos and Stephen Fife.

• This will mark the Dodgers’ third annual benefit game in Tucson dating to 2011, when the Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks played a similar benefit game in Tucson with all proceeds going to the Tucson Together Fund. In addition, The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, in partnership with the Diamondbacks, dedicated a Dodgers Dreamfield in Oro Valley, AZ, on a field that was re-named in memory of Christina-Taylor Green.

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